#1 Safety 101: The 4 Rules of Firearm Safety

The essentials of safe handling of firearms. While there are dozens of good safety practices these are the Four Cardinal Rules.

THE FOUR FUNDAMENTAL RULES:

These rules are in a specific order, and are unchangeable.

All firearms are always loaded.

Never point a firearm at anything you’re not willing to kill or destroy.

Keep your finger off the trigger until on target and ready to fire.

Be sure of your target and what is beyond.

ADDITIONAL RULES:

These rules are not in any specific order

Never consume alcohol or drugs while handling/firing a firearm.

Always wear hearing and eye protection when shooting.

Keep your firearm unloaded and secure until ready to use. Firearms are number one on a burglar’s list. Record your firearm’s description and serial numbers.

Keep your firearms secure from unauthorized people, especially children and untrained adults. Teach everyone in your household basic firearms safety. You can’t kid-proof a house, but you can gun-proof a kid.

Know and use only the proper ammunition for your firearm. Store ammunition separately from firearms. Separate ammunition from firearms while cleaning.

Never alter your firearm’s mechanism yourself or disable a safety. Return your firearm to the manufacturer for repair and keep its records and receipts.

Clean your weapon after each firing or when stored for a long period of time. Know how to properly disassemble your firearm for cleaning. Read and ensure you understand the owner’s manual for your specific firearm. If you don’t have one, get it free from the manufacturer.

Obey property laws and shoot only where authorized. Clean up after yourself and leave the area better than you found it.

When going to shoot arrange times and locations so that someone knows where you are and when you’ll return. Have communication such as a cell phone or radio with you and never shoot alone.

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David “DC” Reed is a US government, civilian law enforcement, and NRA
certified multi-weapons and tactics instructor. Over the years he has
conducted basic through advanced training courses across the US and in
select countries as a former private contractor and on behalf of the
military. He works with private industry, military, law enforcement and has
a 20 year background with SRT/SWAT. He has been a Missouri and Tennessee
P.O.S.T. certified Instructor in Firearms, Special Tactics, Sniper, CCW, and
Use of Force for more than thirty years.

DC currently holds a Missouri Class ‘A’ police commission and is a reserve
peace officer in Missouri. He is a graduate of several military and LE
training courses as well as notable civilian training such as Thunder Ranch,
ATC, Action Targets, Surefire Institute, and Gunsite among others. He is a
member of International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association
(ILEETA), the NRA (Life member, current certified Firearms and Sniper
instructor), National Association of Field Training Officers (NAFTO), and
other professional organizations – as well as life member of the Big Piney
Sportsman’s Club near Houston, MO.

DC has committed his life to training people on the proper and effective use
of firearms. He firmly believes that this training results in a safer world
and fewer lost lives.

Well done. Just the right amount of information delivered professionally. I am teaching my son to shoot and we go through these rules every time we go to the range. I intend to have him view this video just to see that these are not my rules but the accepted universal rules for safe gun handling. It is important to have other sources for material when training kids. It is there natural inclination to question their parents rules. They need to hear it from someone else as well. Thanks

All way’s a good refresher, I have 3 sons in there early 20’s
I took them hunting waterfowl when they were 15. And when I take them too the range, we all way’s go over safety before we begin.
I have sent them this for them too review again
Thank you

I’m finally satisfied with the technique of instruction coming from CCW Guardian. I made an investment this past Christmas for my wife who had never owned a gun. I explain these simple, life-saving steps to her each time she handles the weapon and now with your reinforcement, she doesn’t take it personally as if she “would forget how dangerous a gun is.” It is a great reminder no matter if your a seasoned shooter or just a recreational one. Great job and thank you!

As a noob, it feels good to know and see that seasoned vets are putting it straight forward and informative. Apply and repeat the fundamentals and safe shooting becomes second nature.
Thank you for the info.

I like the way that David Reed speaks to you rather than down to you. And he mixes simple and straightforward lecture with effective hands gestures. His presentations are enjoyable and educational. I look forward to watching and learning more from David. Thank you!